Gardener

Sutton Valence School; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Sutton Valence School is seeking a full-time gardener to maintain and improve the prestigious School gardens. The role involves outdoor work in all weather conditions, requiring self-motivation and experience with commercial gardening tools. The successful applicant will work Monday to Friday with opportunities for overtime.

Benefits

Five weeks annual holiday plus bank holidays

Uniform provided

Full training given

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial gardening environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Undertake all aspects of garden maintenance as directed.
• Contribute to planning and improvement programmes across School sites.
• Assist in setting up for School events and functions.

Skills

Self-motivated

Outdoor work enjoyment

Commercial garden machinery competency

Job description

The Department

Reporting into the Estates Bursar, the Head Gardener leads a small team of full-time gardeners who work across all the School sites. This is a busy department responsible for the maintenance, landscaping and improvements to the extensive and prestigious School gardens. In addition, staff assist the maintenance and grounds departments with the preparations for functions and events.

The Post

The post is for a full-time gardener, responsible to the Head Gardener, to assist in the maintenance, landscaping and improvements to the School gardens across all sites.

Main tasks will include:

• Undertake all aspects of garden maintenance as directed by the Head Gardener, including:
  • lawn maintenance and hedge trimming;
  • upkeep of plants and borders;
  • propagation of plants;
  • pruning and planting;
  • School nursery;
  • leaf raking and litter picking.
• Contribute to the planning and improvement programmes across the School sites;
• Assist in the upkeep of external furniture;
• Assist maintenance staff, as requested, in setting up for School events and functions, including car parking.

The successful applicant will be someone who will really enjoy working outdoors in all weathers, is able to work unsupervised to a high standard, is very self motivated and takes pride in their work. Ideally, candidates will have some experience, be competent in the use of commercial garden machinery and equipment and hold a full driving licence. Some previous gardening experience in a commercial environment is essential.

The hours of work are 7.30am 4.30pm Monday to Friday, with some overtime available as necessary. The salary is circa GBP25,400 per annum for applicants over 21 years old. A separate scale is available for those aged 16 to 21 years old. The annual holiday entitlement is five weeks, plus bank holidays. Staff are provided with a uniform and full training will be given.

Further information about Sutton Valence School can be found on our website.

Closing date: Friday 30th May 2025

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of the School s Child Protection policy may be found on the School s website, which all applicants are expected to read prior to interview.

Sutton Valence School is an equal opportunities employer.

Please note: we reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date.